{SCROLL DOWN PAST THE RECIPE FOR THE AWESOME $450 SUMMER ENTERTAINING PRIZE GIVEAWAY!!!}

I have a confession. I had to give away half these Watergate Cupcakes to a friend because I had zero willpower when it came to these gorgeous treats.

While I normally love a rich, chocolate, fudgy cupcake topped with a buttercream frosting, these Watergate Cupcakes are the exact opposite. Which makes them irresistible. The soft pistachio pecan cupcake has the perfect crumb texture. And then I frosted these with a pistachio pudding and Cool Whip frosting, with MORE pecans and a sprinkle of coconut. Seriously, even my coconut hating kids loved these!

There are so many theories about how the name “watergate” cake and salad came about. But my favorite is the one that says “Watergate cake topped with cover up frosting made with pistachio pudding and few nuts…just like Washington.”

Regardless of how it got it’s name, these cupcakes are amazing. Nutty, moist, packed with pecans, you’ll seriously fall in love. One difference though than your typical watergate salad is I didn’t use any pineapple in this recipe. I really wanted to the pistachio and pecans to take the front cover here! And the frosting, so light and fluffy, is perfect when you add a sprinkle of pecans and chewy coconut. Even toasted coconut would be fantastic on top if you prefer the texture of that instead! It’s the perfect summer cupcake!

4th of July is right around the corner and I think showing up with a tray of these cupcakes is the best thing you can do! I think you’re going to LOVE this recipe!

SUMMER GIVEAWAY!! ENTER BELOW THE RECIPE, using the widget provided (may need a minute for it to load)

You all know I love Fisher Nuts. I love that they are preservative free, and the deep nutty flavor in every bite is truly wonderful. YOU all are going to love that because of my relationship with Fisher Nuts, you’re going to get an opportunity to win a great big basket of awesomeness. Enter the Summer Entertaining giveaway below featuring over $450 worth of entertaining items from Crate & Barrel and Sur La Table. You’ll have some great baking essentials, perfect for whipping up a batch of these Watergate Cupcakes at your next bbq or potluck!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #shugarysweets so I can see all the wonderful SHUGARY SWEETS recipes YOU make!

Watergate Cupcakes

You're going to LOVE these Watergate Cupcakes! Extremely nutty and moist thanks to pistachio pudding and pecans. Topped with a sweet, light whipped frosting, which is perfect for summer!

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes:

1 box (18.25 oz) white cake mix

1 cup canola oil

1 package (3 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix

1 cup lemon lime soda

3 large eggs

1/2 cup Fisher Pecans, chopped

For the frosting:

12 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 package (3 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix

1 cup skim milk

1/2 cup Fisher pecans, chopped

2 Tbsp shredded, sweetened coconut (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin pan with paper muffin liners. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl at medium speed, combine cake mix, oil, pudding mix, soda, and eggs. Beat for several minutes until light and fluffy. Fold in chopped pecans.

Using a large metal scoop (about 1/4 cup) fill muffin liners about 2/3 full. Bake in oven for 20 minutes, until lightly browned on top. Remove and cool completely before adding frosting.

For the frosting, combined pudding mix with 1 cup milk. Whisk until blended. Fold in thawed whipped topping. Refrigerate for 15 minutes, or more (you can do this while cupcakes are baking and cooling).

Use a large spoon (or a 2 TBSP metal cookie scoop) to dollop the frosting onto each cooled cupcake. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and coconut. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days. ENJOY!

102 comments on “Watergate Cupcakes”

You know that I’m a DC girl, right? I just drove by the Watergate yesterday! So you can imagine that I am totally making these for my next party. I can’t wait to explain the name! And I’ll give you all the credit. They’re totally beautiful!

Those look absolutely delicious. I would definitely make pineaple upside down cupcakes with pecans. Topped with whipped cream and cherries. My precious Nana, who passed in May- would absolutely love these!

You said you had to give away half of the cupcakes… I’d have to give away all but one! They look amazing Aimee!! While the pistachio frosting sounds so dreamy, those pecans must really take the cupcakes over the top! (There’s a reason why they’re one of my mom’s and my favorite nuts… 😉 )

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Hi there! Welcome to my blog! Grab a cup of coffee (or beverage of your choice) and stay with me awhile. My name is Aimee and I’m the author here behind Shugary Sweets! And yes, “SHUGARY” is spelled correctly. It’s a take on my last name. (more »)